Preschool education is essential for your child’s development. Throughout this period, they can develop basic motor skills, build on their vocabulary, think creatively, express themselves, build confidence, and communicate with other children. Your child can acquire these things through modeling, storytelling, drawing, observation, or playing musical instruments, like drums or piano.
However, enrolling your kid in school may not be as straightforward as you think. They can become utterly emotional and have a hard time during the transition. For these reasons, you must do your best to prepare your child for the first day of school. They must know what to expect and get accustomed to the schedule when starting early childhood education. With that in mind, below are seven tips to prepare your child for preschool.
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Have A Conversation With Your Child
The first thing you should do is talk with your child about attending preschool. It’s a new concept, so speaking to them about it enables them to ask questions about preschool, including the teachers or the school’s surroundings and what’s expected of them. Break down the ideas to cater to their level of understanding.
During the conversation, you can also share your experience when you began preschool. It’ll help them know it’s something everyone has gone or is going through, and it’s essential because it enables them to learn how to read and write, play interesting games, and make friends.
Most importantly, allow them to express themselves. If they’re hesitant, remind them to take their time. Also, make sure to listen to their fears and slowly tackle the subject.
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Pre-Visit The Preschool
You can visit the preschool with your child, so they’ll know what the environment looks like, easing their anxiety.
First, ask the school about the most appropriate time to tour the place. After getting the administration’s approval, visit various classrooms, particularly where they’ll spend time.
In addition, it’d be best if they knew the names of the teachers in charge of them and met them face-to-face before school starts. If possible, they can also play briefly with students still in session, helping your child familiarize themselves with the setup.
Moreover, speak to the school about their toileting methods and any medications or special diets they offer for food-sensitive kids.
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Organize Playdates With Your Child
To help your kid understand preschool, you can organize a playdate with other children of the same age where they can write, color, sing, nap, listen to story sessions, or play musical instruments together.
Emphasize to your child that preschool is a positive environment where they’ll enjoy themselves and gain knowledge with other kids. It enables them to feel more autonomous, alleviating their anxiety.
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Shop For School Items With Your Kids
It’s advisable to involve your kid throughout the preparation process. In this case, ensure you go shopping for school items with them. Help them select their backpack, clothes, shoes, pencils, and notebooks. It’ll make them more eager to learn.
In addition, mark their belongings with their name, so they don’t get mixed with their classmates’ items or lost. Losing school supplies can frustrate your child because they’re typically clingy regarding their possessions.
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Create A Routine
Consistent routine matters for children. That said, it’s best to train your child to sleep and wake up at specific times in line with the school schedule. Don’t wait until the first day of school and ambush them to wake up earlier than they’re used to. Introduce the schedule slowly, so they’re fully accustomed to it by the time they start school.
Establish reasonable pre-bed and wake routines. Before bed, you can read a book or sing lullabies to your kid, followed by massaging, cuddling, and rocking. And once they wake up, you can shower them, give them take breakfast, and help them prepare for a school-related activity.
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Promote Self-Sufficiency
It’s helpful to foster independence in your child by allowing them to put on their clothes, zip their backpack, remove their coat, tie their shoes, or eat alone. It can make it easier for your child to manage themselves at school.
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Develop A Goodbye Plan
Even with adequate preparation, it can be difficult for your child to let go of you on their first day. So, you can stay on campus for some time so they can get used to the classroom and other kids. You could also say goodbye using a play or a kiss so they can know you’re leaving.
If your child cries as you leave, you shouldn’t return to calm them down. Give them time to settle and trust the teachers to handle the situation.
Conclusion
Preparing your child for preschool enables them to overcome their anxiety and be more eager to learn. Thus, start by getting the right preschool, take your kid for a pre-visit, and consider the other tips discussed above.
